Methods and Devices for Treating Obesity

ABSTRACT

Methods and devices for treating obesity. Pressure is applied to gastric walls in at least one segment of a stomach such that the pressure distends the gastric walls and induces satiety. A hollow capsule can be used to distend the gastric walls. Alternatively, a doughnut-shaped ring may be inflated to an amount sufficient to create intragastric tension and induce satiety. A c-ring including at least one balloon may be placed at a segment of the stomach, where the balloon inflates to a size that creates tension at the segment. A biocompatible material can be injected into the fundus and antrum of the stomach to stiffen the gastric wall to create a fullness feeling.

This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference, U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/679,769, which was filed May11, 2005 and which is entitled, “Methods and Devices for TreatingObesity.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to treating obesity. Moreparticularly, the present invention provides techniques for stiffeningthe gastric walls and/or providing tension to the gastric wall to inducesatiety, thereby treating obesity.

2. Description of Related Art

Obesity has become a global epidemic in recent years. In a NationalHealth and Nutrition Examination Survey for 1999-2002 conducted by theCenter for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated thatapproximately 30 percent of U.S. adults, or about 60 million people,ages 20 or higher, are obese, i.e., having a body mass index of 30 orhigher. Approximately 65 percent of U.S. adults, ages 20 or higher, areoverweight or obese, i.e., having a body mass index of 25 or higher. Thesame survey also found that 16 percent of children and adolescentsbetween the ages of 6 and 19 are obese. The fact that the numbers areincreasing as well as results of studies that show those who areoverweight or obese are more likely to develop other health risks suchas hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, heart diseases, gallbladderdiseases, strokes, respiratory problems, and even some cancers, havecaused health officials to create a movement to help prevent and reduceobesity. As such, programs and regimens have been developed to curbthese effects.

Aside from recommended daily physical activities, common weightreduction regimens include administration of systemic medications, whichsuppress the appetite or reduce the fat and/or sugar uptake of thedigestive track. However, systemic medications often exhibit sideeffects, some of which may be severe.

Another commonly known treatment of obesity is gastric bypass surgery.The surgery divides the stomach into smaller portions and one section,known as the gastric pouch, is then connected to the small intestines.Due to the size of the pouch, food intake is limited, resulting in areduction in calorie intake and weight loss. However, there are manycomplications associated with gastric bypass surgery. The surgery ishighly invasive which can result in complications post surgery such ashernias, infections, gastritis, and sometimes death. Further, thesurgery is irreversible, and thus, issues such as nutrient deficienciescan lead to other health problems such as anemia, osteoporosis, or otherbone disorders.

Other alternatives for treating obesity include inserting intra-gastricdevices such as gastric balloons into the stomach. Some of the devicesmay be secured to the stomach lining, while others, are free floating.However, the placement of these devices require large incisions and alengthy recovery time. Additionally, these devices can deflate or canbecome detached from the lining and may migrate down the GI tractcausing obstructions and necessitate removal.

Shortcomings mentioned above are not intended to be exhaustive, butrather are among many that tend to impair the effectiveness ofpreviously known techniques for treating obesity; however, shortcomingsmentioned here are sufficient to demonstrate that the methodologiesappearing in the art have not been completely satisfactory and that asignificant need exists for the techniques described and claimed in thisdisclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide treatment for obesity by using thesteady state of the intragastric pressure and wall tension in thestomach. The volume of the stomach can be decreased by changing thecompliance of the stomach and thus, one may create gastric satiety.

Pressure may be applied to gastric walls in at least one segment of astomach such that the pressure distends the gastric walls and inducessatiety. A hollow capsule can be used to distend the gastric walls.Alternatively, a doughnut-shaped ring may be inflated to an amountsufficient to create intragastric tension and induce satiety. A c-ringincluding at least one balloon may be placed at a segment of thestomach, where the balloon inflates to a size that creates tension atthe segment. A biocompatible material can be injected into the fundusand antrum of the stomach to stiffen the gastric wall to create afullness feeling.

In one respect, the present invention provides a method for inducinggastric satiety. The method includes injecting a biocompatible materialinto spatially-separated first and second portions of an intragastricwall of the stomach (e.g., the fundus and antrum of the stomach) in anamount sufficient to stiffen the intragastric wall. The biocompatiblematerial, which can be removed at later time, may include, but is notlimited to, a hydrogel, collagen, fibrin, elastin, Teflon paste, asynthetic polymeric hydrogel, an inflatable hydrogel, aglycoaminoglycan, a proteoglycan, or microbeads suspended in abiological fluid lubricant.

In one respect, the invention involves a method for inducing gastricsatiety. A biocompatible material is injected into spatially-separatedfirst and second portions of an intragastric wall of a stomach in anamount sufficient to stiffen the intragastric wall for inducing satiety.The biocompatible material may be removable. The biocompatible materialmay include a hydrogel, collagen, fibrin, elastin, Teflon paste, asynthetic polymeric hydrogel, an inflatable hydrogel, aglycoaminoglycan, a proteoglycan, or microbeads suspended in abiological fluid lubricant. The first portion may include a fundus ofthe stomach and the second portion may include an antrum of the stomach.

In another respect, the invention involves a method for inducing gastricsatiety, in which a hollow capsule is placed within a stomach wall forretention within the stomach. The hollow capsule is inflated to anamount sufficient to stiffen the wall for inducing satiety. Theinflation may involve injecting fluid via an inlet of the hollowcapsule. The method may also involve deflating the hollow capsule in anamount sufficient to induce satiety. The hollow capsule may betemporarily retained in the stomach for a period of at least one year.In other embodiments, retention periods may vary. For example, periodson the order of days, weeks, months, several years, or indefinitely arecontemplated. Inflating may involve dynamically inflating according toone or more feedback loops.

In another respect, the invention involves a device for inducing gastricsatiety, the device including a hollow capsule and an injector. Thehollow capsule includes an inlet, and the capsule is configured to beplaced and retained within a stomach wall. The injector is coupled tothe inlet for adding fluid in an amount sufficient to stiffen the wallfor inducing satiety. The device can also include a deflator forremoving fluid from the hollow capsule.

In another respect, the invention involves a method for inducing gastricsatiety, in which an inflatable ring is placed within a stomach forretention within the stomach. The volume of the inflatable ring isdynamically adjusted according to one or more feedback loops in anamount sufficient for inducing satiety. The step of dynamicallyadjusting the volume may involve injecting air or fluid into theinflatable ring. The ring may be temporarily retained in the stomach fora period of at least one year, although other shorter and longer timeperiods are contemplated. For example, the retention period may be onthe order of days, weeks, months, several years, or indefinitely.

In another respect, the invention involves a device for inducing gastricsatiety, the device including an inflatable ring and a regulatorydevice. The inflatable ring is configured to be placed and retainedwithin a stomach. The regulatory device is coupled to the inflatablering and is configured to dynamically adjust a volume of the inflatablering according to one or more feedback loops in an amount sufficient forinducing satiety. The regulatory device may be positioned external tothe stomach. The regulatory device may be or include a barostat.

In another respect, the invention involves a method for inducing gastricsatiety, in which a ring including a balloon is attached to a stomachfor retention within the stomach. The volume of the balloon is adjustedin an amount sufficient for exerting pressure on a wall of the stomachfor inducing satiety. The step of adjusting a volume of the balloon mayinvolve adjusting the volume of the balloon with a regulatory device inan amount sufficient for exerting pressure on the wall of the stomach.The step of attaching a ring may involve attaching the ring including aballoon to an antrum segment of the stomach. The ring may be temporarilyretained in the stomach for a period of at least one year, althoughother shorter and longer time periods are contemplated. For example, theretention period may be on the order of days, weeks, months, severalyears, or indefinitely. The step of adjusting may involve dynamicallyadjusting according to one or more feedback loops.

In another respect, the invention involves a device for inducing satietyfrom within a stomach, the device including a ring, at least oneballoon, and a regulatory device. The ring is configured to be coupledto a segment of the stomach and retained within the stomach. At leastone balloon is coupled to the ring. The regulatory device is coupled toat least one balloon and is configured to adjust a volume of at leastone balloon in an amount sufficient for exerting pressure on a wall ofthe stomach for inducing satiety. The device may also include a sensingdevice coupled to the balloon for monitoring a pressure associated witha wall of the stomach. The device may have two balloons coupled to thering. The amount in which the volume is adjusted may be approximately aminimum therapeutic pressure. The regulatory device may be configured toadjust the volume of the balloon dynamically according to one or morefeedback loops. The ring may be or include a c-shaped ring. The segmentmay include an antrum of the stomach.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification means “one or more,”“at least one,” and “one or more than one,” unless explicitly notedotherwise. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

The term “fluid” should be interpreted according to its ordinary meaningin the art, and should encompasses at least liquids and gases.

The term “satiety” or “inducing satiety” should be interpreted accordingto ordinary meanings in the art, and in a representative embodiment canbe objectively measured or confirmed through an increase in baselinepressure associated with a stomach (e.g., a wall of the stomach). Suchan increase in pressure can generate a feeling of fullness that canassist in appetite control and weight loss. In a representative andnon-limiting embodiment, inducing satiety can involve an increase in abaseline pressure associated with the stomach in a range of about 8-14mm Hg.

These, and other, embodiments of the invention will be betterappreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following description, while indicatingvarious embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details, isgiven by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions,modifications, additions and/or rearrangements may be made within thescope of the invention as defined in the claims, and the inventionincludes all such substitutions, modifications, additions and/orrearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The figures are examples only.

They do not limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a stomach.

FIGS. 2A-2C show techniques for treating obesity, in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a device for treating obesity, in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4A shows a device for treating obesity, in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of the device for treating obesity in FIG.4A, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The stomach is responsible for handling and processing food for healthyand efficient digestion downstream. The proximal stomach serves toaccommodate food initially and subsequently transfers it to the distalstomach where the food is ground down by the milling action of theantropyloric unit. The food is broken down into small, easily digestibleparticles that are allowed to enter the duodenum in a regulated manner.Excessive tension in either the proximal and/or distal stomach mayinduce dyspeptic symptoms as well as contribute to satiety. As such,increasing gastric wall tension and/or gastric wall stiffening to acritical level prior to or during ingestion of a meal may limit theintake of food due to the induced satiety from the tension. The level oftension needed to induce satiety may vary from subject to subject due tothe wall tension being a function of both pressure and compliance.

In one embodiment, in order to reduce compliancy and increase stomachwall tension, a biocompatible material may be injected into the stomach,and particularly the stomach wall in a representative embodiment. Thebiocompatible material stiffens and/or increases the tension of themuscles of the wall and creates for the subject a feeling of fullness.The biocompatible material may be, for example, a hydrogel that isbiodegradable over time or can be removed. As such, the process can be anon-permanent, reversible solution for treating obesity. Alternatively,the biocompatible material, which may be removable, may include, but isnot limited to different forms of collagen, fibrin, elastin, Teflonpaste, synthetic polymeric hydrogel, inflatable hydrogel,glycoaminoglycan, a proteoglycan, or microbeads suspended in abiological fluid lubricant.

The injection of the biocompatible material, which may be an endoscopic(submucosal) injection, may be performed on the fundus and antrum of thestomach, e.g., a proximal and distal portion of the stomach, shown inFIG. 1. The increased tension and/or stiffening of the gastric walls inthese two areas induces satiety, but does not block or obstruct thepassage of food like prior methods of treating obesity.

In other embodiments, a device may be used to increase the tension ofgastric walls. The device may include a hollow capsule, which may beplaced and retained within the stomach wall via a minimally invasiveprocedure such as endoscopic or percutaneous approaches, as seen in FIG.2A. When the hollowed device is filled or inflated, the hollow capsuleexpands and distends the wall of the stomach causing stiffening of thegastric walls, as shown in FIG. 2B. In one embodiment, the hollowcapsule may be inflated by a fluid, such as, but not limited to, aninnocuous fluid. The innocuous fluid may be injected by an injector,e.g., an endoscopic needle, into an input port of the hollow capsule.The innocuous fluid may fill the hollow capsule to a point that inducessatiety, which may vary from person to person. It is noted that anyfluid may be used to fill the hollow capsule. Additionally, air,different forms of gels, or other materials may be used to fill thehollow capsule in an amount sufficient to create intragastric tension.The capsule may be retained within the stomach for various periods oftime. In one embodiment, the capsule is retained indefinitely (e.g.,until the natural death of a patient). In other embodiments, it may beretained temporarily (e.g., it may be removed at some time during thepatient's lifetime), but for extended periods. For example, in differentembodiment, the capsule may be retained for at least one week, twoweeks, three weeks, four weeks, one month, two months, three months,four months, five months, six months, seven months, eight months, ninemonths, ten months, eleven months, one year, two years, three years,four years, five years, six years, seven years, eight years, nine years,ten years, twenty years, thirty years, forty years, fifty years, or anyperiod in between.

As noted above, the gastric tension needed to induce satiety may varyfrom person to person. Additionally, the gastric tension needed maychange in an individual as dietary habits change. Thus, the hollowcapsule may be tailored to adapt to one's needs. For example, the fluidor other material used to fill the hollow capsule may be removed as theeffect on the person changes, as seen in FIG. 2C. Alternatively,multiple injections of the fluid or other materials into the hollowcapsule may be performed as needed. In one embodiment, the patient mayprovide feedback about the proper amount of fluid or other materialneeded to induce satiety. For example, a first procedure may use amountX of fluid, and the patient may indicate that he or she generally doesnot feel satiated in response. An additional amount Y may then be addedin one or more follow-up procedures until the patient achieves a feelingof satiety sufficient to assist in weight loss or change in eatinghabits. Likewise, if an initial procedure produces excessive pressure,adjustments may be made in some embodiments to reduce the pressure inone or more follow-up procedures. For example, fluid may be removed oreven redistributed to achieve an effect satisfactory for satiety andultimate weight loss.

In an alternative embodiment, ring 302 is placed, via a minimallyinvasive routine, such as endoscopic and/or percutaneous approaches,into stomach 300, as shown in FIG. 3. The ring may be retained withinthe stomach for various periods of time. In one embodiment, the ring isretained indefinitely (e.g., until the natural death of a patient). Inother embodiments, it may be retained temporarily (e.g., it may beremoved at some time during the patient's lifetime), but for extendedperiods. For example, in different embodiment, the ring may be retainedfor at least one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, one month,two months, three months, four months, five months, six months, sevenmonths, eight months, nine months, ten months, eleven months, one year,two years, three years, four years, five years, six years, seven years,eight years, nine years, ten years, twenty years, thirty years, fortyyears, fifty years, or any period in between.

Ring 302 may be an inflatable ring. Coupled to inlet/outlet port 304 ofring 302 is regulatory device 306, such as but not limited to, abarostat, which may be an external device or may be buried partially orcompletely subcutaneously. Regulatory device 306 may be adapted to sensethe pressure and volume of ring 302 and adjust the pressure and volumesuch that a segment of stomach 300 is distended in a manner sufficientto create satiety. In one embodiment, regulatory device 306 maydynamically change the pressure and volume exerted by ring 300 in such away to maintain a constant distending pressure. In more generalembodiments, the dynamic nature of changing pressure or volume is donein response to one or more feedback loops. For example, based on one ormore measurements (e.g., pressure, volume, temperature, etc.), aproperty of the ring may be modified (e.g., it may be inflated ordeflated or even change position) in a way to affect at least one ofthose measurements. Measurements may then be retaken and an appropriateresponse generated. Through such a dynamic adjustment process, optimalconditions for inducing satiety may be achieved and consistentlymaintained. In one embodiment, at least one of the measurements may bepatient-based or patient-dictated. For example, a patient may provide asignal indicating that he or she feels satiated, and that signal may beused in the dynamic adjustment process to maintain or store the physicalconditions (e.g., pressure or volume) that achieve satiety for thatspecific patient.

Ring 300 may be an inflatable ring and the pressure and volume may becontrolled by supplying to or removing from ring 300 fluids, air, orother material via inlet/outlet port 304 as determined by regulatorydevice 306.

For example, ring 302 may be placed in a compressed form into a subjectand may be inflated via inlet/outlet port 304 by air, fluids, or othermaterials. As the pressure and volume of ring 302 increases, e.g.,distending a portion of the stomach, the subject may feel an unpleasantsensation and/or satiety. The pressure and volume at which theunpleasant sensation and/or satiety occurs is called the minimumtherapeutic pressure (MTP). Regulatory device 306 may then be set tomaintain a baseline pressure and volume corresponding to the MTP inbetween meal intakes. Once the subject eats, normal physiology predictsthat the stomach will expand, and the pressure and volume of ring 302may decrease. A threshold value may be programmed into regulatory device306 such that once the pressure and volume decreases, the device 306will trigger an inflation of ring 302 until MTP is achieved. MTP allowsfor an induced satiety and an aversive response to further eating. Inone embodiment, the pressure and volume of ring 302 may be maintainedfor a time period, e.g., 2 hours, before regulatory device 306 revertsback to the MTP. It is noted that different time periods may be used andmay change based on the needs of the subject, and different feedbacktechniques can be used to achieve a degree of satiety suitable forweight loss

In another embodiment, an exerting device, an example of which is shownin FIGS. 4A and 4B, may be used to apply pressure to a segment of astomach to induce satiety. The device may be retained within the stomachfor various periods of time. In one embodiment, the device is retainedindefinitely (e.g., until the natural death of a patient). In otherembodiments, it may be retained temporarily (e.g., it may be removed atsome time during the patient's lifetime), but for extended periods. Forexample, in different embodiment, the device may be retained for atleast one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, one month, twomonths, three months, four months, five months, six months, sevenmonths, eight months, nine months, ten months, eleven months, one year,two years, three years, four years, five years, six years, seven years,eight years, nine years, ten years, twenty years, thirty years, fortyyears, fifty years, or any period in between.

Unlike prior art methods, which are lumen occluding, ring 402 may beplaced into stomach 400 at a specific portion, as shown in FIG. 4A. Forexample, ring 402 may be placed in the antrum segment of the stomach,where ring 402 provides for the distension of the stomach wall at theantrum, as shown in FIG. 4B. It is noted that ring 402 may be placed indifferent segments of the stomach, including but not limited to, thefundus, the cardia, or the pylorus segment of the stomach.

Ring 402, which may be in a c-shaped configuration, may be a scaffold orplatform supporting one or more balloons 404. Balloon 404 may beinflated to an amount sufficient to exert pressure on the wall ofstomach 400. For example, a regulatory device 406, coupled to theballoon 404 may sense the pressure and volume of the balloon. If thepressure and volume is below a threshold, i.e., the pressure on the wallof stomach 400 is insufficient for inducing satiety, balloon 404,connected via guides or remotely by radiofrequency, may be inflated.Alternatively, balloon 404 may include a sensing device (not shown) formonitoring the intragastric pressure. If the intragastric pressure isinsufficient for inducing satiety, the sensing device may trigger aninjector which may inflate the balloon 404 to a level where the pressureapplied creates a fullness feeling for the subject.

The increase in pressure that can be used in embodiments described inthis disclosure for inducing satiety may vary from patient to patient,and can be adjusted dynamically according to one or more feedback loopswith or without input from the patient and, in representativeembodiments, with the assistance of one or more monitors, sensors, ormeasurement devices. In one embodiment, an increase in baseline pressureof about 8-14 mm Hg (millimeters of Mercury) may be sufficient forinducing satiety. In other embodiments, inflation, fluid addition, fluidreduction, or the like that leads to a pressure elevation of about 1 mmHg, 2 mm Hg, 3 mm Hg, 4 mm Hg, 5 mm Hg, 6 mm Hg, 7 mm Hg, 8 mm Hg, 9 mmHg, 10 mm Hg, 11 mm Hg, 12 mm Hg, 13 mm Hg, 14 mm Hg, 15 mm Hg, 16 mmHg, 17 mm Hg, 18 mm Hg, 19 mm Hg, 20 mm Hg, 21 mm Hg, 22 mm Hg, 23 mmHg, 24 mm Hg, or 25 mm Hg may be sufficient for inducing satiety. Otherpressure ranges may be between about 1-7, 2-8, 3-9, 4-10, 5-11, 6-12,7-13, 9-15, 10-16, 11-17, 12-18, 13-19, 14-20, 15-21, 16-22, 17-23,18-24, or 19-25 mm Hg. In still other embodiments, a different pressurevalue may be used that is suitable for inducing satiety in a givenpatient, and this value may be determined through interviewing thepatient or through an appropriate feedback routine. For example, satietyfor a given patient may be objectively determined through gathering ofpatient data associated with different pressure values-throughappropriate patient feedback, an optimal or preferred pressure value forinducing satiety can be determined.

With the benefit of the present disclosure, those having skill in theart will comprehend that techniques claimed herein may be modified andapplied to a number of additional, different applications, achieving thesame or a similar result. For example, for each embodiment disclosedhere, inflation or otherwise increasing pressure or volume of aninserted device may be done dynamically according to one or morefeedback loops. A first procedure may use amount X of fluid, and thepatient may indicate that he or she generally does not feel satiated inresponse. An additional amount Y may then be added in one or morefollow-up procedures until the patient achieves a feeling of satietysufficient to assist in weight loss or change in eating habits.Likewise, if an initial procedure produces excessive pressure,adjustments may be made in some embodiments to reduce the pressure inone or more follow-up procedures. For example, fluid may be removed oreven redistributed to achieve an effect satisfactory for satiety andultimate weight loss. The claims cover all such modifications that fallwithin the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

REFERENCES

Each of the following references is incorporated by reference in itsentirety:

U.S. Patent Application No. 2003020388 U.S. Patent Application No.20040037865

U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,399

1. A method for inducing gastric satiety comprising injecting abiocompatible material into spatially-separated first and secondportions of an intragastric wall of a stomach in an amount sufficient tostiffen the intragastric wall for inducing satiety.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, where the biocompatible material is removable.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, where the biocompatible material is selected from a groupconsisting of hydrogel, collagen, fibrin, elastin, Teflon paste, asynthetic polymeric hydrogel, an inflatable hydrogel, aglycoaminoglycan, a proteoglycan, and microbeads suspended in abiological fluid lubricant.
 4. The method of claim 1, the first portioncomprising a fundus of the stomach and the second portion comprising anantrum of the stomach.
 5. A method for inducing gastric satiety,comprising: placing a hollow capsule within a stomach wall for retentionwithin the stomach; inflating the hollow capsule to an amount sufficientto stiffen the wall for inducing satiety.
 6. The method of claim 5,where the step of inflating comprises injecting fluid via an inlet ofthe hollow capsule.
 7. The method of claim 5 further comprisingdeflating the hollow capsule in an amount sufficient to induce satiety.8. The method of claim 5, where the hollow capsule is temporarilyretained in the stomach for a period of at least one year.
 9. The methodof claim 5, where inflating comprises dynamically inflating according toone or more feedback loops.
 10. A device for inducing gastric satiety,comprising: a hollow capsule comprising an inlet, the capsule beingconfigured to be placed and retained within a stomach wall; and aninjector coupled to the inlet for adding fluid in an amount sufficientto stiffen the wall for inducing satiety.
 11. The device of claim 10,further comprising a deflator for removing fluid from the hollowcapsule.
 12. A method for inducing gastric satiety, comprising: placingan inflatable ring within a stomach for retention within the stomach;and dynamically adjusting the volume of the inflatable ring according toone or more feedback loops in an amount sufficient for inducing satiety.13. The method of claim 12, where the step of dynamically adjusting thevolume comprises injecting air or fluid into the inflatable ring. 14.The method of claim 12, where the ring is temporarily retained in thestomach for a period of at least one year.
 15. A device for inducinggastric satiety, comprising: an inflatable ring configured to be placedand retained within a stomach; and a regulatory device coupled to theinflatable ring configured to dynamically adjust a volume of theinflatable ring according to one or more feedback loops in an amountsufficient for inducing satiety.
 16. The device of claim 15, where theregulatory device is positioned external to the stomach.
 17. The deviceof claim 15, the regulatory device comprising a barostat.
 18. A methodfor inducing gastric satiety, comprising: attaching a ring comprising aballoon to a stomach for retention within the stomach; and adjusting avolume of the balloon in an amount sufficient for exerting pressure on awall of the stomach for inducing satiety.
 19. The method of claim 18,where the step of adjusting a volume of the balloon comprises adjustingthe volume of the balloon with a regulatory device in an amountsufficient for exerting pressure on the wall of the stomach.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, where the step of attaching a ring comprisesattaching the ring comprising a balloon to an antrum segment of thestomach.
 21. The method of claim 18, where the ring is temporarilyretained in the stomach for a period of at least one year.
 22. Themethod of claim 18, where adjusting comprises dynamically adjustingaccording to one or more feedback loops.
 23. A device for inducingsatiety from within a stomach, comprising: a ring configured to becoupled to a segment of the stomach and retained within the stomach; atleast one balloon coupled to the ring; and a regulatory device coupledto at least one balloon, the regulatory device configured to adjust avolume of at least one balloon in an amount sufficient for exertingpressure on a wall of the stomach for inducing satiety.
 24. The deviceof claim 23, further comprising a sensing device coupled to the balloonfor monitoring a pressure associated with a wall of the stomach.
 25. Thedevice of claim 23, comprising two balloons coupled to the ring.
 26. Thedevice of claim 23, where the amount is approximately a minimumtherapeutic pressure.
 27. The device of claim 23, where the regulatorydevice is configured to adjust the volume of the balloon dynamicallyaccording to one or more feedback loops.
 28. The device of claim 23, thering comprising a c-shaped ring.
 29. The device of claim 23, the segmentcomprising an antrum of the stomach.